We want every session at Rainbet to stay enjoyable, and that starts with honest framing: gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. This page sets out the warning signs worth watching for, the tools we offer to help you stay in control, and the free UK support available when you need it. You must be 18 or over (18+) to use this site.
Why responsible gambling matters
Most people gamble without problems, treating it as one form of entertainment among many. But for some, the balance shifts – what began as a leisure activity starts to take up more time, money or emotional energy than intended. Recognising that shift early makes all the difference.
Gambling is designed to be exciting. The unpredictability, the possibility of a win, the pace of live games – all of these can make it hard to step back. That is not a flaw in you; it is how the product works. The responsible approach is to set boundaries before you play, not during a session when emotions are high.
Behaviour that should worry you
These are concrete signs that gambling may be causing harm. If more than one applies, it is worth taking them seriously:
- Spending more than you can afford to lose, or chasing losses by depositing again in the same session.
- Lying to family or friends about how much you are spending or how often you play.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or falling behind on bills to fund gambling.
- Gambling to escape stress, low mood or boredom rather than for enjoyment.
- Neglecting work, relationships or responsibilities because of the time spent gambling.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you try to cut down or stop.
None of these are moral failings. They are recognised symptoms of a problem that can be addressed with the right support.
Questions worth asking yourself
A short self-check can clarify whether your gambling is still under control. Answer honestly – these are for you alone, not a diagnosis:
- Do you gamble with money you need for rent, bills or groceries?
- Have you tried to stop or cut down, but found you could not?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed after gambling?
- Has anyone close to you expressed concern about your gambling?
- Do you gamble longer or for higher stakes than you originally planned?
- Have you lied about how much you have lost, or hidden gambling activity?
- Do you gamble to win back money you have already lost?
- Has gambling caused arguments, damaged relationships or affected your work?
If you answered yes to several of these, speaking to someone who understands problem gambling is a worthwhile next step. Free, confidential help is listed below.
Our deposit and time controls
We provide three tools to help you manage your play. Each is accessed through your account settings, and each applies immediately once confirmed:
Cool-off periods
This tool restricts access to gambling features and prevents you from placing bets for a period you choose. Use it when you need a short break – a day, a few days, or longer – without closing your account permanently. The restriction lifts automatically at the end of the period.
Loss limits
Set a ceiling on how much you can lose over a defined period – daily, weekly or monthly. Once the limit is reached, you cannot place further bets until the period resets. This is the most effective tool for keeping spending predictable.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion closes your account for a minimum of 90 days, or permanently if you choose. When you request it, a 24-hour cooldown is applied first; you must confirm the decision via email before it takes effect. After the cooldown ends, a follow-up email provides additional timeframes. Use self-exclusion when you need a complete break and time away from gambling.
All three tools are free. Setting a limit does not flag your account or affect your standing with us – it is simply a boundary you define for yourself.
Practical limits that work
Beyond the formal tools above, these habits help keep gambling occasional rather than compulsive:
- Decide in advance how much you can afford to lose, and stop when you reach that amount – whether you are up or down.
- Set a time limit for each session and stick to it. Use an alarm on your phone if that helps.
- Never gamble with money earmarked for bills, rent or other essentials.
- Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, drunk or tired – decision-making suffers in all of those states.
- Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen every hour, even for five minutes.
- Keep other hobbies and social activities in your routine. Gambling should not be your only leisure activity.
None of these guarantees you will never face a problem, but each reduces the likelihood.
Where to get help in the UK
If gambling is causing harm – to your finances, your relationships, your mental health – free and confidential support is available. You do not need to have reached a crisis point to call.
| Organisation | What they offer | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) | Free, confidential advice and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | gamcare.org.uk | 0808 8020 133 |
| BeGambleAware | Information, tools and signposting to treatment services across the UK. | begambleaware.org |
| GamStop | Free national self-exclusion scheme. Register once and you are blocked from all UK-licensed gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. | gamstop.co.uk |
| Gordon Moody | Residential treatment and online support for people severely affected by gambling. | gordonmoody.org.uk |
All of these services are run by organisations independent of the gambling industry. What you say to them stays confidential.
Blocking software
If you find it hard to stay away from gambling sites, blocking software removes the temptation by preventing access at device level:
- Gamban – blocks gambling sites and apps across all your devices. Paid subscription, with a free trial available.
- BetBlocker – free, open-source blocking tool for desktop and mobile. Works on Android, iOS, Windows and macOS.
Both tools are more effective than relying on willpower alone. They work in the background and cannot be easily bypassed once installed.
Protecting minors
This site is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. If you share a device with someone under 18, parental-control software – such as Net Nanny, Qustodio or the controls built into Windows, macOS and iOS – can block access to gambling sites entirely. These tools are straightforward to set up and prevent minors from reaching age-restricted content, whether or not you are present.
Get in touch
If you have questions about the tools we offer, or need help accessing them, contact our support team at [email protected]. For advice on problem gambling itself, the organisations above are better placed to help.
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it has stopped feeling that way, the right support can make a real difference.
Access to this site is restricted to persons aged 18 and over (18+). We want your play to stay enjoyable – for free, confidential support, visit BeGambleAware.org.